The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Caramelized Onions

There are many types of cheese that go well with caramelized onions. Gruyère is a popular choice, often used in French onion grilled cheese sandwiches. Other cheeses that can be used include Comté, Fontina, Raclette, Brie, Emmental, Swiss cheese, and White Cheddar.

Gruyère, Comté, and other cheese recommendations

Gruyère is a firm favourite when it comes to pairing cheese with caramelized onions. Its earthy, complex, nutty flavour, with the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, makes it a perfect match for the sweetness of caramelized onions. It is a common choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, often served with other ingredients such as bacon, kimchi, or salad.

However, if you are unable to get your hands on Gruyère, or simply want to try something different, there are several other cheeses that can be used. One option is Comté, which is also a Swiss cheese, and has a similar flavour profile to Gruyère. It is another popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches with caramelized onions.

Other recommended cheeses include Fontina, Raclette, Brie, and Emmental. These cheeses all have similar characteristics to Gruyère and Comté, with nutty, sweet, and savoury flavours that will complement the caramelized onions well. For a slightly different option, you could try Swiss cheese or White Cheddar, which will add a sharper flavour to the dish.

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized onions, it is important to get the right balance of ingredients and cooking techniques. Some recipes suggest stirring the cheese and onions together before assembling the sandwich, to ensure an even melt and a perfect ratio in each bite. Others recommend a particular type of bread, such as sourdough, rustic Italian, or country-style, to ensure the perfect texture and flavour.

How to make caramelised onions

When it comes to cheese, caramelised onions are a classic pairing. Whether you're making a grilled cheese sandwich or a sophisticated cheese board, here's how to make the perfect caramelised onions:

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need onions (red or white), oil, butter, salt, sugar, and vinegar. You can adjust the quantities based on how many onions you plan to caramelise, but a good rule of thumb is to use 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of butter, a generous pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar for every 3 large onions.

Now, let's get cooking! Start by heating the oil in a large, deep frying pan over low heat. You want to give your onions plenty of space to cook, so don't be afraid to use a big pan. Once the oil is hot, add the onions to the pan with a generous pinch of salt. Cook them slowly for around 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. The key to perfect caramelisation is patience; if you try to rush the process by cranking up the heat, your onions will char and toughen.

Once your onions are soft and golden, it's time to add the sugar and vinegar. This step will give your onions a sweet and slightly sharp flavour. Cook the mixture over low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the vinegar has reduced. You'll know your onions are ready when the mixture becomes sticky and has a beautiful golden caramel colour.

Now that your caramelised onions are ready, it's time to decide how to use them. They are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try them on a cheeseboard, in a grilled cheese sandwich, piled into burgers, or even in a quiche or pasta dish. However you choose to enjoy them, your caramelised onions are sure to add a depth of flavour and a touch of sweetness to your meal.

French onion grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onions (red, sweet, or yellow)
• Salt and pepper
• Bread (rustic Italian), country-style, sourdough, French, or whole-grain
• Cheese (Gruyère, Comté, or vegan)
• Optional: sherry/red-wine/white-wine/balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme, whole-grain mustard, beef stock, or pickles

Method:

• Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
• Add sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized. This should take around 20-45 minutes. Add a splash of water if the onions look dry.
• Transfer the onions to a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Wipe out the skillet. Return to medium heat and melt more butter.
• Add bread slices and cook until pale golden brown.
• On two slices of bread, layer cheese, onions, and any optional extras. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
• Melt more butter in the skillet and add the sandwiches. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, around 3-4 minutes on each side.
• Serve immediately.

Adding extras to your grilled cheese

The bread

While you can use any bread you like, a sturdy, rustic bread works best for grilled cheese sandwiches. Try a crusty country-style loaf, Italian bread, or a Tuscan Pane bread. Sourdough is also a good option, as is French bread.

The cheese

The best cheese to pair with caramelized onions is Gruyère, but there are many other options. Comté, Fontina, Raclette, Brie, Emmental, Swiss cheese, and White Cheddar are all recommended. You can also add extra cheese to your sandwich for an extra indulgent treat.

The onions

Caramelizing onions can take up to 45 minutes, so make sure you have enough time. You can also make a big batch and store them in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze them for up to three months. Red, sweet, or yellow onions are best for caramelizing. Add a splash of sherry, port, stock, or balsamic vinegar to the onions for extra depth of flavor.

Extras

You can add many other ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich to take it to the next level. Try sautéed mushrooms, sliced garlic, or fresh thyme. If you want to add some protein, try ham, bacon, or pepperoni. You could also add sliced apples or pears for a fall-inspired twist.

How to store caramelised onions

Caramelised onions can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. If you're planning to use them within a few days, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge is a good option. However, if you want to keep them for longer, freezing is the way to go. Here are some tips on how to store caramelised onions:

• Portioning: Before freezing your caramelised onions, it's a good idea to portion them into usable amounts. You can use ice cube trays, freezer bags, or containers. By pre-portioning, you can easily thaw and use the exact amount you need for your recipes.
• Freezing Techniques: There are a few different techniques you can use to freeze your caramelised onions:

• Ice Cube Trays: Spoon the caramelised onions into ice cube trays and freeze them. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in labelled freezer bags or containers.
• Cookie Sheet or Wax Paper: Spread the caramelised onions thinly on a cookie sheet or wax paper-lined tray and freeze. Once solid, use a pizza cutter to cut the frozen onions into small squares. Store these squares in freezer bags for easy access.
• Containers or Bags: Simply place your caramelised onions in containers or bags and freeze. Make sure to label and date them so you know when to use them.

• Thawing and Using: When you're ready to use your frozen caramelised onions, simply take out the portion you need and thaw it. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. The onions can then be added directly to your recipes, such as soups, stews, sandwiches, or any other dish that calls for caramelised onions.
• Food Safety: It's important to note that caramelised onions are perishable and should not be stored in sealed jars for long periods. They will typically last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. If you notice any mould or fungus growth, discard the onions immediately. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.

Frequently asked questions